Special traffic courts are to be set up to deal with problem drivers, freeing up courts to deal with more serious crimes.

The government announced the changes after revealing that around half a million motoring cases are heard in the magistrates' courts each year. These cases can often take longer to progress than more major offences, says the Ministry of Justice.

The average time taken to complete a driving offence case is almost six months — despite over 90 per cent of cases resulting in a guilty plea or being proved in absence.

Nine police forces in the UK have already trialled the new traffic courts including forces in Essex, Lincolnshire and London's Metropolitan Police.

Justice minister Damian Green said the justice system must respond more quickly to victims, witnesses and local communities. "These dedicated courts will enable magistrates to better organise their work and drive greater efficiency," he said.

The government is currently in consultation to decide how best to implement the courts. At present the 'express' traffic courts will only come into operation when there is a guilty plea or where the case is not contested.

To me that step risks differentiating traffic crime from other forms of crime. I imagine the ultimate aim is to fast track offenders to minimise the risk to other road users. You can, of course, still drive until you've been convicted. So, probably a risk worth taking.